5 Oz teens held for attack on Indian students

Melbourne, May 29: Five Australian teenagers, including one with attempted murder, have been charged over separate attacks on Indian students in Melbourne suburbs.

A 17-year-old male from Glenroy has been charged with attempted murder after four Indian students were attacked with a screwdriver by gatecrashers at a party in Hadfield, in Melbourne's north, on Saturday night.

One of the victims remains in intensive care in hospital. Police have also charged four minors from Melbourne's west over the brutal bashing of a 21-year-old Indian student who was going home on a Werribee line train.

The teenage boys, from Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit, are due to face a Children's Court on Friday, May 29. They have been charged with offences including affray, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and robbery.

Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said he did not believe the attacks were racially motivated, rather that offenders were focusing on 'soft targets'.

"Really what we're saying to them is to be aware of their surroundings, try and walk in areas that are well-lit. If you're walking on a road walk towards the traffic, if you're out in a public place, don't count money," Deputy Commissioner Walshe said.

As the attacks continue to create outrage in India, police have moved to assure the community that extra resources are being thrown at the problem through the Embona armed robbery taskforce.

ANI